Thales mulls future aircraft systems today
How will airplanes operate in 2030? The question needs addressing now since new aircraft introduced then are likely to be in production for another 30 year

How will airplanes operate in 2030? The question needs addressing now since new aircraft introduced then are likely to be in production for another 30 years and in service for 50. Thales has been pondering it for the last two years, and last month the company convened a symposium in Paris to unveil its concept of the smart, communicating aircraft.

Thales spends 20 percent of its revenues on research and development, and “the current crisis doesn’t mean we should stop,” said Thales Aerospace senior vice president Jean-Georges Malcor. “Our industry is underpinned by long cycles, given the 50-year life of aircraft programs, so it is time to accelerate, not cut.”